Augmodo snags Chemist Warehouse partnership, hires Simon Morriss as Commercial Director for APAC

Augmodo, a real-time inventory and task tracker using wearable SmartBadges to create live 3D store maps, is launching a partnership with Chemist Warehouse, Australia's largest drug retailer.

The collaboration has grown from four pilot stores in mid-2024 to a full chain expansion in a few short months and will increase to more than 550 locations in two years. In parallel, Augmodo and Chemist Warehouse will launch a Spatialview programme later this year, giving the latter’s suppliers access to real-time shelf data.

“Our hardworking associates spend hours every day completing tedious but critical tasks, like auditing and restocking shelves so consumers can have increased product availability,” says Mark Finocchiaro, Managing Partner and General Manager IT Retail at Chemist Warehouse.

“With Augmodo’s spatial AI assistant, they wear the Smartbadge on a lanyard or clip, and everything is automatically scanned as they walk the floor, providing us with real-time inventory data. The assistant tells them what’s out of stock and what needs to be done next, giving them more time with shoppers.”

“We’re helping democratise data for retailers, buyers and suppliers, who can now work together to drive AI by integrating our data with sales, ordering and inventory systems, bettering customer experience,” says Ross Finman, Founder and CEO at Augmodo.

“We’re so committed to our new partner we’ve appointed Simon Morriss as Commercial Director for APAC. As our boots on the ground, his dynamic strategy will help us launch seamlessly in Australia. Simon’s expertise lies in building and executing strategic plans, navigating capital markets and transforming innovative ideas into revenue generating businesses. We can’t wait to work together to drive sustainable growth for Chemist Warehouse.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with our suppliers on the design and implementation of Augmodo. With a continuous joint purview into what's happening on the shelf in real-time, we can work together to implement solutions faster, eliminate gaps on shelf and promotion delays, optimise store visits and deliver the best experience for our shoppers,” says Ilias Babalis, General Manager, Sales at Chemist Warehouse.

“Knowing shelf gaps exist so we can diagnose and solve them is one of the biggest challenges of a supplier,” says Christian Armstrong, Chief Customer Officer of L’Oreal Australia/New Zealand. “We’ve tried other solutions, but they only provide a rearview snapshot. Now armed with 24/7 strategic information, we can be agile in our response to customer and store demands - Augmodo is the future and we’re excited to partner with Chemist Warehouse as a design partner to implement this solution.”

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH, organiser of the industry leading RTIH Innovation Awards, proudly brings you the first edition of the RTIH AI in Retail Awards, which is now open for entries. 

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

With 2025 set to be the year when AI and especially gen AI shake off the ‘heavily hyped’ tag and become embedded in retail business processes, our newly launched awards celebrate global technology innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world and the resulting benefits for retailers, shoppers and employees.

Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 3rd July.

This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.

Please email our Editor, Scott Thompson, if you have any questions or need further information: scott.thompson@retailtechinnovationhub.com

Key 2025 dates

Friday, 23rd May: Award entry deadline 

Tuesday, 27th May: 2025 finalists revealed

Wednesday, 28th May - Friday, 13th June: Judging days

Thursday, 3rd July: Winners announced at the 2025 RTIH AI in Retail Awards Ceremony, to be held at The Barbican in Central London.